Quiet in US, loud in Ja - Promoter argues for different music standards

by

A young lady responds to a performance after the sun comes up at Reggae Sumfest 2017 in Montego Bay, St James.

1

2

3

BRT Promoter Hans Mullings who has hosted events both locally and in the U.S, thinks Jamaica should be held at a different standard for noise pollution, since music is its best asset.

"The music playing loud is the Jamaica I know and that is our tradition. So when people try to change our traditions its crap. When the Japanese come and the Europeans come they love our culture and that is what they come for. because nobody else has it. Our own government does not appreciate it and they want to lock it off because they are trying to be like America," he said

Playing by the rules

"They need to stop following America and try to fit in. It is the same thing with weed. They never wanted to decriminalise it until America decided to do it. Music is all the people have so give them their music," he said

According to the promoter, the Noise Abatement Act should not have been passed in the first place if an alternative wasn't created by the government for Jamaicans to enjoy their music at will.

Legendary selector Ricky Trooper said playing by the rules is not what made reggae music a global genre. "If Bob Marley played by the rules he wouldn't't be the brand that he is today. Music is Jamaica and Jamaica is music," he said.

Former People's National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament Damion Crawford, who dedicated much of his time as a minister to the creation of entertainment zones, told The STAR that Jamaicans are reluctant to accept the Noise Abatement Act because they feel the rule is not executed objectively.

"In the U.S people will obey the noise rule because there is no real bias. If its even Beyonce hosting a concert it has to conclude as the law states. But in Jamaica when a man see Jazz and Blues and Sumfest going until morning he is going to feel like he ought to be extended the same privilege," he said.